Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing effects of supplementation with two different combinations of micronutrients delivered as sprinkles on growth, anemia, and iron deficiency in cambodian infants.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To assess and compare efficacy of two micronutrient sprinkle supplementation on growth, anemia, and iron deficiency in Cambodian infants.

METHODS:

A total of 204 infants aged 6 months and living in Kompong Chhnang Province, Cambodia were randomly assigned to receive daily supplements of either iron (12.5 mg) plus folic acid (150 mug) plus zinc (5 mg) (MMN, n = 68), or iron (12.5 mg) plus folic acid (150 microg) alone (FFA, n = 68), or placebo (n = 68) for a 12 month period in powder form as sprinkles. Anthropometrics was evaluated bimonthly. Biochemical assessment was performed at baseline and at the end of intervention period.

RESULTS:

At baseline, the overall mean (SD) of hemoglobin concentration was 101 g/L. No difference among groups was found for growth pattern. Significant decline was observed for weight-for-age and height-for-age z-scores in any group (P < 0.0001). The rate of recovery from anemia was significant (P < 0.001) and comparable between MMN (54%) and FFA (53%) groups and higher than in the placebo group (22%, P < 0.0001). Through the study period, no significant change in the rate of iron deficiency was found in MMN and FFA groups, whereas it increased in the placebo group (31%, baseline vs. 52%, end of study; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION:

Both MMN and FFA supplements were effective for preventing or treating anemia in Cambodian infants and stabilizing plasma levels of ferritin. Use of micronutrients in a controlled home setting, as sprinkled daily supplements, may be promising in preventing and treating anemia in developing countries.

• Authors: Marcello Giovannini, Debora Sala, Michele Usuelli, Luca Livio, Gaia Francescato, Marta Braga, Giovanni Radaelli, Enrica Riva
• Journal: Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr) Vol. 42 Issue 3 Pg. 306-12 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 0277-2116 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16540800 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hemoglobins
• Micronutrients
• Ferritins
• Folic Acid
• Iron
• Zinc

Topics

• Anemia, Iron-Deficiency (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Anthropometry
• Cambodia
• Dietary Supplements
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Ferritins (analysis)
• Folic Acid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Growth (drug effects)
• Hemoglobins (analysis)
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
• Iron (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Iron Deficiencies
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Micronutrients (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Zinc (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)